Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAnatomyFunctionsAssociated ConditionsRehabilitation
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Anatomy
Functions
Associated Conditions
Rehabilitation
Theiliacusmuscle is the triangle-shaped muscle in your pelvic bone that flexes and rotates your thigh bone. The iliacus is one of the most important hip flexor muscles in your body. It works with the other muscles in the hip and thigh to help you bend, run, walk, sit, and maintain correct posture.
This article describes where the iliacus muscle is located, what it does, and common medical conditions that can adversely affect its function, causing pain and stiffness.
Iliacus Muscle Anatomy
The iliacus muscle is situated on the largest of the three bones of the pelvis: the wing-shapedilium. The muscle fits neatly into the curved surface of the ilium, called the iliac fossa.
The top of the iliacus muscle is attached to the upper “wings” of the ilium, called the iliac crest. It then extends down past the hip joint where it attaches to the upper thigh bone (femur) at a bony protrusion called the lesser trochanter.
The iliacus muscle is part of a major trio of muscles called theiliopsoas, which also includes thepsoas major muscleand thepsoas minor muscle. These sister muscles are also attached to the upper femur but extend upward past the ilium where they connect to thelumbar (lower) spineat several attachment points.
The iliopsoas also interact with thequadratus lumborum (QL) muscle, the deepest muscle of the lower back. The QL muscle starts at the iliac crest and, like the psoas major and minor muscles, attaches to the lumbar spine at several points.
The QL muscle enables flexion and elevation of the spine, while the iliopsoas enables the flexion and rotation of the hip and thigh.
Functions of the Iliacus Muscle
The iliacus muscle has many functions:
There are several conditions that can adversely affect the iliacus muscle, particularly when it is underused or overused.
These conditions, referred to collectively asIliopsoas syndrome, are typically the result of overuse or injury. These include iliopsoas tendinopathy, which affectstendonsand iliopsoas bursitis, which affects cushioning sacs known asbursae.
Iliopsoas syndrome can affect anyone but is especially common in gymnasts, dancers, track-and-field athletes, and others who repeatedly use movements that flex the hips.
Iliopsoas Bursitis
Iliopsoas bursitisis the inflammation of the cushioning sac called a bursa situated under the iliacus muscle that helps it slide over the pelvic bone.
Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to pain that radiates through parts of the leg and hips. Runners, skiers, swimmers, and people with tight hips are commonly affected. People with different forms of arthritis can also be affected.
Early treatment can prevent the worsening of symptoms. Mild cases can be treated at home with rest, ice application, and over-the-counternonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Stretching can help relieve tightness.
In severe cases, treatment options may include:
Iliopsoas Tendinopathy
It is sometimes referred to as “snapping hip syndrome” because you can hear an audible snapping sound.
The treatment of iliopsoas tendinopathy includes retraining muscle imbalances with strengthening and stretching exercises. If these fail to provide relief, corticosteroid injections may be used.
In extreme cases, a surgery called a tendon release may be considered but only when all other options have failed. The surgical release of the iliopsoas tendon involves the severing of the tendon to reduce pain and improve the range of motion.
Core muscle exercises are central to the rehabilitation of iliacus muscle injuries. The iliopsoas is an integral component of the core muscle group and can benefit from stretching and strengthening exercises like:
Since the function of the iliopsoas is to flex and rotate the hip joint, certain yoga poses can also help. These include variations on thebridge posethat encourage hip flexion.
A Word From Verywell
Exercising and activities that keep you moving and active can improve your quality of life. Your iliacus muscles are integral in these pursuits. Always remember to warm up before doing any exercise to release and flex your tight muscles to avoid any strains or pains.
When you bend, dance, sit, or even take a leisurely walk, you know that your iliacus muscles and the other iliopsoas are working together to produce needed stability and range of motion.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bordoni B, Varacallo M.Anatomy, bony pelvis and lower limb, Iliopsoas muscle. StatPearls.Physiopedia.Iliacus.Physiopedia.Iliopsoas bursitis.Davenport KL.The professional dancer’s hip. In: Performing Arts Medicine. Ed. Lauren E. Elson. Elsevier, 2019, Pages 77-87, ISBN 9780323581820Yogateket.Essential yoga body parts. Hip flexor/psoas and yoga.Yoga International.8 poses for iliopsoas release.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Bordoni B, Varacallo M.Anatomy, bony pelvis and lower limb, Iliopsoas muscle. StatPearls.Physiopedia.Iliacus.Physiopedia.Iliopsoas bursitis.Davenport KL.The professional dancer’s hip. In: Performing Arts Medicine. Ed. Lauren E. Elson. Elsevier, 2019, Pages 77-87, ISBN 9780323581820Yogateket.Essential yoga body parts. Hip flexor/psoas and yoga.Yoga International.8 poses for iliopsoas release.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Bordoni B, Varacallo M.Anatomy, bony pelvis and lower limb, Iliopsoas muscle. StatPearls.Physiopedia.Iliacus.Physiopedia.Iliopsoas bursitis.Davenport KL.The professional dancer’s hip. In: Performing Arts Medicine. Ed. Lauren E. Elson. Elsevier, 2019, Pages 77-87, ISBN 9780323581820Yogateket.Essential yoga body parts. Hip flexor/psoas and yoga.Yoga International.8 poses for iliopsoas release.
Bordoni B, Varacallo M.Anatomy, bony pelvis and lower limb, Iliopsoas muscle. StatPearls.
Physiopedia.Iliacus.
Physiopedia.Iliopsoas bursitis.
Davenport KL.The professional dancer’s hip. In: Performing Arts Medicine. Ed. Lauren E. Elson. Elsevier, 2019, Pages 77-87, ISBN 9780323581820
Yogateket.Essential yoga body parts. Hip flexor/psoas and yoga.
Yoga International.8 poses for iliopsoas release.
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